Vinegar is effective at killing most young, tender, and shallow-rooted weeds such as chickweed or small annual weeds. The acetic acid in vinegar dries out the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wither. However, it’s less effective against deep-rooted or perennial weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, or thistles. These tougher weeds may require repeated applications, higher-strength vinegar, or a combination of vinegar spray with manual removal to fully eliminate them.
Yes. DIY weed killers such as vinegar, salt, and boiling water are non-selective, meaning they don’t distinguish between weeds, grass, or flowers. If they come in direct contact with your lawn, vegetable plants, or ornamental flowers, they can cause scorching, yellowing, or even death. To avoid harming desirable plants, apply these solutions carefully and directly on weeds, ideally with a spray bottle or by shielding nearby plants with cardboard or plastic during application.
Generally, yes—when used properly. Unlike chemical herbicides, homemade options like vinegar, salt, or boiling water don’t leave behind long-lasting toxic residues. Pets and children can safely return to treated areas once the vinegar has fully dried or the boiling water has cooled. However, concentrated vinegar (horticultural vinegar with higher acidity) can cause skin or paw irritation if touched while wet, so always let the treated area settle before allowing pets back.
Natural weed killers typically show visible effects within 24 hours. Weeds may start to wilt, turn brown, or dry up soon after application, especially in hot, sunny, and dry conditions, which speed up the process. For tougher weeds or cloudy weather, results may take longer, and you may need to reapply for complete control. Keep in mind that these methods work best on small or actively growing weeds, not large established ones.
No, most DIY weed killers are not a permanent fix. While they kill the parts of the weed above the soil, many weeds—especially perennials—can regrow from seeds or deep root systems. To maintain a weed-free garden, combine these natural treatments with preventive strategies such as mulching, pulling weeds before they seed, applying corn gluten meal to block germination, or maintaining dense, healthy plant cover to crowd out weeds naturally.
Yes, you can grow a banana tree indoors, especially if you choose dwarf varieties such as the Dwarf Cavendish. These smaller banana plants can thrive in large pots, provided they receive plenty of sunlight—ideally near a south-facing window—or supplemental grow lights. Indoor banana plants also benefit from high humidity, so regular misting or the use of a humidifier can help them flourish. With proper care, indoor banana trees can produce lush tropical foliage and, in some cases, even fruit.
Most edible banana varieties, such as Cavendish, are seedless and cannot be grown from seeds. Instead, they reproduce through suckers (also called pups) that grow around the base of the plant. However, wild banana species do produce large, hard seeds that can be germinated. These seed-grown bananas are not commonly cultivated for eating, as their fruit is often filled with seeds and lacks the sweetness of cultivated varieties.
Banana plants typically take between 9 to 15 months from planting to produce fruit, although the exact time depends on the variety, climate, and growing conditions. They grow fastest in consistently warm temperatures with high humidity and fertile soil. Once the flower stalk emerges, it usually takes another 2 to 6 months for the bananas to mature and be ready for harvest.
Yes, the main stem of a banana plant, often called the "mother plant," dies after it produces fruit. However, the plant doesn’t completely die out—it produces new shoots or suckers at the base. These suckers grow into new plants, continuing the cycle. Gardeners often select the healthiest suckers to grow into the next generation of fruit-bearing plants, ensuring a continuous supply of bananas.
Banana plants are tropical and do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. In regions with cold winters, they must either be grown in pots and brought indoors before the first frost or protected outdoors with heavy mulching and wrapping. Some cold-hardy ornamental varieties can withstand cooler temperatures, but fruit-bearing types generally need a warm, frost-free climate to survive and produce well.
It depends on the sunflower varieties you choose. When you’re growing sunflowers from seed, most sunflower plants take 70–100 days from the time you sow the seed until sunflower heads bloom. Smaller varieties are usually fast growing and bloom earlier, while a giant sunflower takes longer.
There are many types of sunflowers. The traditional giant sunflower can reach 12–15 feet tall, producing large seed heads packed with edible seeds. Small sunflower varieties are ideal for pots or borders. For continuous color, try succession planting with branching varieties. When deciding on sunflowers to grow, consider if you want cut flowers, acres of sunflowers, or seeds for roasting.
To plant sunflower seeds, choose a sunny spot or use seeds in pots. Outdoors, sow sunflower seeds 6 inches apart for smaller plants or several inches apart for giants. Indoors, you can plant seeds indoors in pots and later transplant them along a fence or in beds. The best planting time is after the frost has passed.
If you're looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, attracting dragonflies to your garden is a beautiful and effective solution. These graceful insects are not only mesmerizing to watch as they dart through the air, but they are also voracious predators of mosquitoes and other pesky insects. By choosing the right plants, you can create a dragonfly-friendly habitat that encourages them to stay and thrive. In this guide, we’ll explore the best plants to attract dragonflies to your garden, helping you maintain a balanced ecosystem while reducing the need for chemical repellents.
Creating a garden that attracts dragonflies not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also helps control mosquito populations naturally. By incorporating plants that provide perching spots, shelter, and a steady food source, you can turn your garden into a dragonfly haven. Here are twelve of the best plants to attract these graceful predators.
One of the best plants for attracting dragonflies, water horsetail provides excellent perching spots for adult dragonflies and serves as a safe habitat for their aquatic nymphs. Its dense, reed-like growth gives dragonfly nymphs protection from predators while they develop in the water.
This unique plant resembles bamboo, with dark green, jointed stems that grow upright. Unlike many plants, water horsetail does not produce flowers, making it an interesting structural addition to a water garden. It can reach 3–4 feet tall and spreads quickly through rhizomes.
Thriving in standing water, marshes, and boggy soil, water horsetail prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires high humidity and consistently wet conditions to grow well.
This plant is ideal for gardeners with ponds or wetland areas, but due to its rapid spread, it is best contained in designated areas or pots.
Swamp milkweed is not only a favorite among butterflies but also an excellent choice for attracting dragonflies. It draws in plenty of pollinators, which in turn provide a steady food source for hungry dragonflies. Additionally, its tall stems serve as resting spots for dragonflies between flights.
This plant produces clusters of pink or mauve flowers that bloom in summer, releasing a mild, sweet fragrance. The long, narrow leaves offer a delicate contrast to its showy flowers. Swamp milkweed typically reaches 3–5 feet tall.
It thrives in moist soil and is well-suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or any area that retains water. Preferring full sun, it needs regular watering to maintain the damp conditions it loves.
Swamp milkweed is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that supports both dragonflies and pollinators.
Black-eyed Susan is a vibrant and easy-to-grow plant that invites bees, butterflies, and other pollinators into the garden—making it an excellent food source for dragonflies. Its tall stems and sturdy flowers provide excellent perching opportunities for dragonflies to rest and survey their surroundings.
Recognized for its bright yellow petals and dark brown centers, black-eyed Susan resembles miniature sunflowers. This perennial grows up to 2–3 feet tall, with blooms appearing from summer to early fall.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, this plant is drought-tolerant once established, requiring only occasional watering.
Black-eyed Susan is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardeners who want a pop of color while attracting dragonflies and other beneficial insects.
Meadow sage is a fantastic plant for attracting dragonflies because it lures in pollinators like bees and butterflies, ensuring a steady food supply for these agile insect hunters. Additionally, its tall flower spikes provide excellent perching spots for dragonflies.
This perennial produces deep purple or blue flower spikes, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. The dark green foliage has slightly serrated edges, growing in a neat, compact form. Meadow sage typically reaches 2–3 feet tall.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established. While it benefits from occasional watering in extreme heat, it is generally low-maintenance.
Meadow sage is perfect for gardeners who want a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden with minimal care requirements.
No dragonfly-friendly garden is complete without water lilies. These stunning aquatic plants provide essential shelter for dragonfly nymphs as they develop underwater. The broad, floating leaves also give adult dragonflies a place to rest and hunt for prey.
Water lilies have round, glossy leaves that float on the water’s surface. Their large, showy flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, yellow, and purple, often emitting a pleasant fragrance. Depending on the variety, water lilies can spread 2–6 feet wide.
They thrive in ponds or water gardens with full sun and require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The water should be still or slow-moving for optimal growth.
Water lilies are ideal for gardeners with a pond or water garden who want to create a tranquil, dragonfly-friendly habitat.
Pickerelweed is a valuable addition to any pond or wetland area, offering shelter for dragonfly nymphs while attracting insects that adult dragonflies feed on.
This aquatic perennial features tall spikes of violet-blue flowers, creating a striking contrast against its large, heart-shaped leaves. It grows up to 2–4 feet tall and spreads naturally in shallow water.
Pickerelweed thrives in shallow water, pond edges, or marshy areas with full sun to partial shade. It requires consistently moist or wet conditions to flourish.
This plant is perfect for gardeners with a pond or wetland area who want a reliable, easy-to-grow plant that benefits dragonflies and other wildlife.
Arrowhead, also known as duck potato, is an excellent aquatic plant for attracting dragonflies. Its submerged stems provide a perfect hiding place for dragonfly nymphs as they grow, while its tall, upright foliage offers perching spots for adults. The plant also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, indirectly benefiting dragonflies by increasing their food supply.
This plant gets its name from its distinct arrow-shaped leaves, which can grow 1–2 feet tall. During summer, it produces delicate white flowers with a bright yellow center.
Arrowhead thrives in shallow water or muddy banks, making it a great addition to pond edges or rain gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, nutrient-rich soil.
This plant is ideal for gardeners with backyard ponds or wetland spaces who want a native, low-maintenance option for attracting dragonflies.
Blue vervain is a tall, graceful plant that not only attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees but also creates an inviting habitat for dragonflies. Its tall stems offer excellent perching spots, while the insects it attracts serve as a food source for dragonflies.
This perennial features slender spikes of tiny, deep blue or purple flowers, which bloom from mid to late summer. It can grow up to 5 feet tall, making it a striking addition to a garden.
Blue vervain thrives in moist meadows, pond edges, and rain gardens, preferring full sun to partial shade. It tolerates wet conditions but can also adapt to drier soils once established.
This plant is a great choice for gardeners who want a bold, pollinator-friendly addition to their garden that also supports dragonflies.
Goldenrod is often mistaken for a weed, but it is one of the best plants for attracting beneficial insects, including dragonflies. The dense clusters of flowers draw in plenty of pollinators, ensuring a reliable food source for dragonflies.
Goldenrod is known for its bright yellow flower clusters, which bloom in late summer to early fall. It grows between 2 and 4 feet tall and has slender, lance-shaped green leaves.
This hardy plant thrives in a variety of conditions, from dry fields to wet meadows, and prefers full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring little maintenance beyond occasional watering in extreme heat.
Goldenrod is a fantastic choice for wildlife gardeners looking for a native, low-maintenance plant that supports dragonflies and other beneficial insects.
Joe-Pye weed is a towering, pollinator-attracting perennial that indirectly supports dragonflies by ensuring a steady supply of small insects for them to hunt. Its tall, sturdy stems also serve as excellent perching spots for adult dragonflies.
This plant produces large, fluffy clusters of pink or purple flowers, which bloom in mid-to-late summer. It can grow up to 7 feet tall, making it an impressive focal point in any garden.
Joe-Pye weed thrives in moist soil and full sun to partial shade, making it a great choice for pond edges or rain gardens. It requires regular watering but is otherwise easy to maintain.
This plant is perfect for gardeners looking for a bold, showy perennial that supports dragonflies and enhances the beauty of their outdoor space.
Fanwort is an aquatic plant that provides an excellent habitat for dragonfly nymphs, giving them a safe place to grow and develop. Its dense, feathery underwater foliage offers shelter from predators, while its floating leaves create perching spots for adult dragonflies.
This submerged plant features delicate, fan-shaped green leaves that give it a unique, feathery appearance. Small, white or pale yellow flowers occasionally bloom above the water’s surface, adding a touch of charm to ponds and water gardens.
Fanwort thrives in still or slow-moving freshwater environments, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires a nutrient-rich environment to grow well.
This plant is ideal for gardeners looking to enhance their pond’s ecosystem while providing essential habitat for dragonflies and other aquatic creatures.
Wild bergamot, also known as bee balm, is a fragrant, flowering perennial that attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths—an excellent food source for dragonflies. The plant’s tall stems provide great perching spots, allowing dragonflies to rest while scouting for prey.
This plant produces clusters of lavender, pink, or purple flowers with distinctive, tubular petals that bloom from mid-to-late summer. It grows 2–4 feet tall and has aromatic, lance-shaped leaves that release a pleasant minty scent when crushed.
Wild bergamot is highly adaptable and thrives in prairies, meadows, and garden beds. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. It grows well in moderately dry to moist, well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established.
This plant is perfect for gardeners who want a colorful, fragrant addition to their garden that attracts dragonflies, pollinators, and beneficial insects.
Yes! Dragonflies are attracted to pink flowers that attract pollinators, such as swamp milkweed, wild bergamot, and joe-pye weed. These flowers not only enhance the garden’s beauty but also draw in insects that dragonflies prey on, such as mosquitoes and gnats.
Yes! Dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes. Both their nymphs (which live in water) and adults feed on mosquito larvae and flying mosquitoes. By adding plants that will attract dragonflies and providing a water feature, you create a habitat that encourages dragonflies to lay their eggs in or near water, helping control mosquito populations naturally.
Dragonflies love tall plants like black-eyed Susan, meadow sage, and joe-pye weed, which offer excellent perching spots. These plants allow dragonflies to rest and scan for prey, making them essential for a garden to attract dragonflies.
